SAQ questions:
A large set of multiple-choice questions, mostly basic vocabulary drill.

SAQ slides
Twenty-four unlabelled microscope slides are available for check-out in the
Medical Resource Center. (This is a limited resource, so please
keep the slides only for as long as you are actually using them. Twelve
identical sets are available. If more are needed, please e-mail
Dr. King.)

For each SAQ slide:

Describe the basic tissue elements which appear on the slide; and
...

Insofar as possible, identify the source for the specimen (i.e.,
what part of the body is represented on the slide?).

EVALUATION: Several of the SAQ slides may appear on the ERG
End-of-Unit Evaluation.

However, the real motivation for this exercise should be to begin your personal
transformation, from a student who memorizes histological information
to a professional who can apply that information meaningfully in new situations.
Expect this exercise to be:

Substantial. Don't
wait until the last minute.

Challenging. You'll need to practice critical
thinking as well as application of past experience.

Do-able. For most of the slides, with a couple
exceptions, you should be able to identify confidently the source of the
specimen and to notice irregular features. A variety of different
organ systems are represented by the SAQ slides, including:

the gastrointestinal system,

the female reproductive system,

the male reproductive system,

the endocrine system,

and others.

Most of these specimens are nominally "normal". However,
several of these slides display unfamiliar appearance due to post-mortem
change, less-than-ideal fixation, or other causes. A few are patently
pathological. Nevertheless, each slide includes at least one
distinctive clue (sometimes small and obscure) which should enable recognition
of the source.

Groups are invited to schedule times to discuss these slides with
an instructor.

Be advised, however, that the source of particular specimens
shall not be revealed. If you have identified a specimen confidently,
on the basis of reliable observations, you willknow that
you have done so and should not need further confirmation. Otherwise,
you have not yet completed the exercise.